Houston is not Texas. It's Houston. There are more rural towns and areas in Texas than urban or suburban. Rural areas don't start teachers out at 60k. And PLEASE don't start in with the "cheaper to live in a rural area" because in many cases you will be wrong. Groceries and gas is usually way higher because there is no where else to go or fewer other stores to compete with. Also, not everyone who teaches in a rural community, lives in that community. Some live in the city and commute for many reasons and must use the rural salary for their city living expenses.